Motcombs Saint John's Wood — Restaurant in London

Dining alone can often feel like a daunting or isolating experience, but at Motcombs, I felt entirely at ease, embraced by their warm service, delectable food, and beautifully curated ambiance. From the moment I sat down, the stage was set for an exceptional culinary journey.

Fresh bread accompanied by Netherend Farm Salted Butter greeted me immediately. The bread was soft and fresh, a comforting start to the meal, while the butter was a rich, creamy indulgence that hinted at the attention to detail to come.

Starters

The Dressed Crab Salad was a revelation. A harmonious blend of endive, mascarpone, avocado, and Musica bread showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. The freshness of the crab paired with the sound jelly created an unexpected, delightful tingling sensation with every bite, a true sensory treat.

The Beef Carpaccio was an indulgence on its own. Wafer-thin slices of beef that melted in the mouth were elevated by truffle, mushrooms, pecorino, and pickled mustard seeds. Together, these elements formed a symphony of flavors, with earthy, sharp, and tangy notes balancing perfectly. Each bite felt like an expertly crafted composition.

Main Course

For my main course, I opted for the Lobster Escargot and Vodka Penne. The lobster dish was generously portioned, with succulent chunks of lobster nestled in pockets of garlic herb butter and breadcrumbs. Though slightly heavy on the breadcrumbs, the rich, flavorful butter more than compensated.

The Vodka Penne, meanwhile, was the epitome of comfort food. The penne was soft, just as I like it, and cloaked in a velvety tomato and cream sauce with a hint of chilli that added depth without overwhelming. Paired with the lobster, it was a satisfying and well thought out combination.

Desert

As a Creme Brûlée enthusiast, I was hesitant about the addition of macerated tangerine and elderflower syrup, but it turned out to be a masterstroke. The Green Cardamom Creme Brûlée was a textural and flavor triumph. Its caramelised top cracked perfectly under the spoon as I scooped into the creamy, aromatic custard underneath. The tangerine and elderflower syrup added a refreshing zing that perfectly balanced the sweetness.

Service & Atmosphere

Motcombs strikes a fine balance between elegance and comfort. The light, music, and tasteful interior design created an ambiance that felt intimate yet refined. Dining alone can sometimes mean being overlooked, but my waiter, Rabie, made sure I felt welcome throughout. His attentiveness and cheerful demeanor elevated the experience further.

At £3.50, the cover charge is easily justified by the excellent bread and butter that started the meal, a thoughtful touch that adds an extra layer of value to the dining experience.

Overall, Motcombs delivers on every front: impeccable food, thoughtful service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether dining alone or in company, this is a place to savor and return to. An absolute gem in St....

I really wanted this to be good but unfortunately it wasn’t. I get that it is virtually impossible since Brexit to recruit staff in the hospitality industry. However, if you are opening a brand new restaurant a month before Christmas, you need to staff it properly. The food was ok but not worthy of the pricing. We waited 1 and a quarter hours for our main course (shepherd’s pie). The person who told us he was the manager (it turned out he wasn’t) was not remotely apologetic about the delay. Nor did he offer a drink or anything to keep us on side (something most ‘managers’ would indeed do.)Even the people on the table next to us were complaining - to someone who actually WAS the manager - because he then came to apologise to us straight afterwards when we refused to pay the service charge because of the poor service. Only because of him and the fact he took the service charge off the bill and two of the 4 glasses of wine we drank - have I given 2 stars for service. If they want to keep the tills ringing they need to do a lot...

I had high hopes for Motcombs, but unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing.

To start, I ordered the chicken paillard, expecting a thinly pounded and well-prepared dish. What arrived was simply two plain chicken breasts—completely missing the mark. My sister’s fish dish was no better; it arrived cold, which is unacceptable for any restaurant at this price point.

When we expressed our dissatisfaction, the waiter apologized and suggested we order something sweet, which led us to believe dessert would be complimentary as a gesture of goodwill. However, to our surprise, the dessert was added to the bill. The final “compensation” was a mere £6 discount, which felt insulting considering the overall experience. Had we known dessert wasn’t on the house, we wouldn’t have ordered it, especially since it felt like we were pressured into it.

Overall, the food was subpar, the service misleading, and the entire experience felt like a waste of money. I would not recommend dining here—it’s simply...